Battle Report (Adeptus Custodes vs Red Corsairs)
By SN Team
“Shiny aren’t they?” sneered Mukador as he racked his spike-festooned boltgun. Herros nodded, his helm’s daemonic visage cast in a crimson hue due to the hyper tectonically active surface of whatever blasted planet they found themselves upon. None had bothered to learn its name or to give it one. Such things were beneath the notice of the Red Corsairs. “The Corpse Emperor’s finest if you believe such nonsense…” continued Mukador. “Ten thousand years guarding a dessicated husk… We can hardly expect much from these pompous fools.” “Their reputation is fearsome” gurgled Gniteos, his mouth hidden beneath folds of tumorous warp growth. “A reputation as ancient as the rotten empire that spawned them. I doubt any of these gilded parade ground soldiers has seen any real combat.” mused Herros.
“I want one of their pretty little helmets for my trophy rack.” added Donard as he ran his fingers along his axe’s keen edge. “Well, why wait any longer? I grow tired of waiting for their arrival! We attack!” roared Mukador as he set off at a run not waiting for his companions answer. The rest of the company looked at each other for a brief moment before they too charged forward focusing their hatred at the slowly aproaching Custodes force.
Mission: Secure & Control
Deployment: Dawn of War
Points: 2000
To See the entire Battle Report and loads of more pictures..... follow the link. SN Battle Reports does amazing pics
https://snbattlereports.com/2017/12/05/battle-report-custodes-vs-red-corsairs/
++ Patrol Detachment (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) ++
+ Troops +
Custodian Guard Squad
x4 Custodian: Guardian Spear
Shield-Captain: Guardian Spear
Custodian Guard Squad
x4 Custodian: Guardian Spear
Shield-Captain: Guardian Spear
Custodian Guard Squad
Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
Custodian: Custodes Vexilla and Power Knife, Storm Shield
Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
Custodian: Guardian Spear
Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
Shield-Captain: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield
+ Elites +
Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought: Combi-bolter, Dreadnought Combat Weapon, Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon
+ Heavy Support +
Venerable Land Raider: Storm Bolter, Twin-Linked Heavy Bolter, 2x Twin-Linked Lascannons
Venerable Land Raider: Storm Bolter, Twin-Linked Heavy Bolter, 2x Twin-Linked Lascannons
+ HQ +
Inquisitor Solomon Lok
++ Patrol Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) ++
+ HQ +
Bloodthirster of Insensate Rage
+ Troops +
Bloodletters: 9x Bloodletter, Bloodreaper, Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos
+ Heavy Support +
Skull Cannon
Soul Grinder: Mark of Khorne, Warpsword
++ Battalion Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) ++
Legion: Renegade Chapters
+ HQ +
Chaos Lord with Jump Pack: 2x Lightning Claw, No Chaos Mark
Huron Blackheart: Prescience
+ Troops +
Chaos Cultists: 9x Chaos Cultist w/ autopistol and brutal assault weapon, No Chaos Mark
. Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon and Autopistol
Chaos Cultists: 9x Chaos Cultist w/ Autogun, No Chaos Mark
. Cultist Champion: Shotgun
Chaos Cultists: 9x Chaos Cultist w/ autopistol and brutal assault weapon, No Chaos Mark
. Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon and Autopistol
+ Fast Attack +
Chaos Bikers: Mark of Khorne
. Chaos Biker: Bolt pistol, Combi-bolter, Meltagun
. Chaos Biker: Bolt pistol, Combi-bolter, Meltagun
. Chaos Biker: Bolt pistol, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Biker Champion: Combi-bolter, Combi-melta
+ Heavy Support +
Maulerfiend: Lasher tendrils, Mark of Khorne
Maulerfiend: Lasher tendrils, Mark of Khorne
+ Flyer +
Heldrake: Hades Autocannon, Heldrake claws, No Chaos Mark
Heldrake: Baleflamer, Heldrake claws, No Chaos Mark
And we are back once again at the SN Studio, ready to bring you an epic battle report! We have been itching to finally use this brand new lava themed board by the awesome www.ironkeep.eu, and this seemed like the perfect occasion to do so. Many thanks to the team for setting up the board, as well as the opportunity to have this battle. Now, let’s get this show on the road!
On either side of the battlefield lays a seemingly simple weapon manned by lone Gretchin. Both armies would look to seize this weapon, be it just solely to deny their opponent from having it. One might take caution when approaching the weapon; simple as it may seem, Ork weaponry has been known to be highly volatile, especially under the unwieldy conditions faced on this lava filled battlefield. Cool little objective markers set on the board. I wouldn’t want to be near that if it blew up, that’s for sure!
The smoke parts, and out of it, emerges the Custodes forces, their gleaming golden plates of armour shimmering across the battlefield. Both Land Raiders cover each of the flanks of the Custodes detachment, ensuring the protection of the rest of the forces. Let’s not forget to mention what an incredible paint job these models have!
In the forefront of the army we see Inquisitor-Lord Solomon Lok, surrounded by his retinue of Custodian Guard. What a sight to behold!
Demonic screeches fill both ground and sky from the Chaos forces, a myriad of sounds. Through it all, the sound of bellowing engines from the Chaos Bikers can be heard, as they rev their engines, awaiting their Commanders orders.
In the Chaos deployment we see two Maulerfiends. These hideous Daemonic engines of destruction are terrifying. Let’s see what impact they have on the game.
Turn 1 (Chaos)
With both sides deployed, Chris and Julian roll off to see who starts, which sees Chris winning the roll off. Julian then attempts to steal the initiative, but fails. The Heretical forces begin their advancement forwards. Engines ablaze, accompanied by fanatical Cultists screaming and hulking behemoths, the Chaos army makes it move by foot. Overhead, the bone chilling shrieks of the Helldrakes echo throughout the battlefield, as they zoom far ahead of their allied force.
Turn 1 (Chaos)
The bloodletters, along with Huron and some Cultists move forward in order to get into a more advantageous position, allowing them to reach their enemies as soon as they can.
Turn 1 (Chaos)
One of the Helldrakes spots the Contemptor Dreadnought, swooping in with its razor sharp talons looking to make light work of the walker. The Dreadnought fires its Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon as well as its Storm Bolter, however, due to the blistering speed of the Helldrake as it arrives at the Dreadnought, the rounds simply richochet off of the armoured panels of the winged beast.
Turn 1 (Chaos)
The Helldrake opens its talons as it swoops into range of the Dreadnought, it’s wings forcing dust and debris to flail around the location. Unfortunately, the Helldrake only hits once, and that hit fails to wound the Dreadnought. It is now the Dreadnought’s turn to strike back. It manages to land 3 hits, and then wound only cause 1 wound. Chris opts to use his Invulnerable Saves, but fails it. He decides to use a Command Point in order to reroll the save, but once again, fails. The Helldrake loses 3 wounds due to the encounter.
Turn 1 (Adeptus Custodes)
Onto the Custodes Turn 1. The fearless Custodian Guard advance towards the Bloodletters, then hail a flurry of fire at them with their Sentinel Blades and one Guardian Spear, inflicting 2 casualties on the Daemonic squad.
Turn 1 (Adeptus Custodes)
One of the Land Raiders then opens fire on a Maulerfiend. Lascannon shots mixed with a myriad of bolter shots took aim at the Maulerfiend, one of the Lascannon shots hitting a nearby volcanic formation, causing molten hot lava to lash violently near the Maulerfiend. Alas, one shot hits the creature, sending it tumbling backwards, but quickly regaining its composure again. Chris rolls to save, failing once again.
Turn 1 (Adeptus Custodes)
Chris decides he would rather not risk losing many wounds early on, and decides to use yet another Command Point to reroll the save, and this time, he passes! Good choice on using a Command Point here Chris!
Turn 1 (Adeptus Custodes)
The Custodian Guard grip onto their weapons tightly, as they charge towards both Huron and the Bloodletters nearby, the weight of their heavy power armour thundering under their boots as they move to intercept the Chaos Commander and accompanying Daemons. Through the smog emerged the Adeptus Custodes. However, the Daemons were not phased by the towering, armour clad beings in front of them, as they rushed right in to meet their enemies, the clanging of sword on sword apparent throughout the battlefield. Chris uses up 2 Command Points in order to intercept the assault. This results in the death of 2 Custodes, as well as Huron’s minion taking a fatal blow. Once they were thinned down, the Custodian Guard turned their attention to Huron, swinging wildly at him, their blades striking him, causing 3 wounds.
Turn 1 (Adeptus Custodes)
Another one of the Custode Squads assault a nearby Maulerfiend, enraged at the death of some of their comrades, looking to exact revenge. Unfortunately, they are blinded by rage, leading them to miss all of their attacks on the monstrosity. The Maulerfiend then retaliated, claiming the lives of yet another 2 Custodes.
Turn 1 (Adeptus Custodes)
The Contemptor Dreadnought is still locked in mortal combat with the Helldrake. They both exchange blows, and finally, the Helldrake manages to pierce the armoured plates of the Contemptor. The Dreadnought swings his close combat weapon in return, but does not manage to harm the Helldrake in any way.
Turn 2 (Chaos)
The start of turn 2 for Chaos sees the Helldrake falling back out of combat, and soon, its place is taking by the Chaos Bikers, the riders heading recklessly towards the walkers position, weapons in hand. Could this be yet another kill for the Chaos?
Turn 2 (Chaos)
The second Maulerfiend moves ahead, accompanied by a group of Cultists, who advance alongside the lumbering behemoth.
Turn 2 (Chaos)
After moving into optimal range, the Chaos Bikers unload a torrent of Bolter shots, as well as firing their meltas into the Dreadnought’s armoured carapace. However, is it the meltas which land the killing blow on the Contemptor, killing it in one fell swoop despite Julian’s best attempts at trying to save it by spending a Command Point.
Turn 2 (Chaos)
The Bloodletters atop the Skull Cannon let out a violent scream, signalling their target; the Custodian Squad. The Soul Grinder follows suit, taking aim at the gold clad guard. A large volley from the Chaos army strikes both the Custodes, and the very ground around them, sending tremors throughout the battlefield. The resilient Custodes hold their ground, as they signal to each other in anticipation of another round of fire. However, as the dust settles, and the battlefield becomes clearer, they notice that yet another 2 of their brothers were felled in combat.
Turn 2 (Chaos)
The Helldrakes move forward together, looking for another target. Cutting through the sky at blistering speeds, they lock onto the large Custodes squad, housing the Inquisitor-Lord Solomon Lok too. A fine target for the Helldrakes. Their gaping maws open, as they swoop down closer to the enemy, looking to set them ablaze. The first Helldrake fires its Baleflamer, rolling an impressive 5 hits on the unit. Chris then manages to wound 3 times, and Julian subsequently rolls one save, causing yet another Custode to fall, the mighty warrior falling to his knees as he is engulfed by the flames, the hellfire burning through the armour and onto his flesh. The second Helldrake then takes aim with its Hades Autocannon, and again, manages to kill another Custodian Guard, a total of two casualties from the Helldrakes this round.
Turn 2 (Chaos)
The Custodes locked in combat with the Maulerfiend strike at the beast relentlessly, in hopes of killing it in the name of their fallen brothers. However during the combat, a shriek far worse than anything heard on the battlefield so far emerges. This is followed by a buffet of molten debris flying towards both the Custodes and Maulerfiend. The shout even causes the Maulerfiend to question why it was in the vicinity. From the distance, an all too large figure appears. A Bloodthirster of Insensate Rage; death itself. The stalwart Custodes hold their ground, fearing no evil, as the giant Daemon swings its Great Axe of Khorne, a weapon almost as large as itself. As the Custodes turn their attention to the Bloodthirster, they do not realise that the Chaos Lord with Jump Pack also joins the fray. All hope seems lost for the Custodian Guard, as they face these monstrosities, as well as the Chaos Lord. The Bloodthirster sizes up its enemies, and, faster than the eye can see, swings its Axe in the direction of the Custodes, the immense power of the Daemon sending aftershocks towards the surrounding terrain. Where the brave Custodes once stood now lay severed bodies, scattered remains now littered the area. A simple smirk crept along the Chaos Lords face, pointing his Lighting Claw towards the remaining Custodes, and so the Bloodthirster follows, looking to carve a path through any other being stood in front of it.
Turn 2 (Chaos)
Death surrounded the Custodes in various forms, but they did not buckle. They faced their foes with unrelenting force. The Cultists, who just joined the fight, try to impress Huron by swinging at the Custodes, however their meager attempts were not fruitful. Huron, embarrassed by their performance pushes the surrounding Cultists out of his way, digging his Tyrant’s Claw through the back of another Custode, blood splattering on his face and armour. However, in a heroic attempt, the final Custode turns his attention to Huron, seeing his opportunity to slay the Commander. The Custode wrestles out of the Bloodletter’s grasp, bolting towards Blackheart. He takes aim with his Guardian Spear, driving it right into Huron’s chest, and tossing him to one side like a ragdoll. Despite the sacrifices made, Huron Blackheart was now dead. What an epic fight thus far, especially this combat right here!
Turn 2 (Chaos)
The Helldrake and Cultists assault Inquisitor Lok and his bodyguards in an attempt to hold them up for the Bloodthirster. The Cultists are no match for the elite Custodes, as they swing their weapons almost effortlessly, slicing through 5 of them, leaving just one alive. He flees in terror at the end of the combat phase, securing yet another kill for the Adeptus Custodes. I can’t seem to get over just how amazing both armies look!!
Seeing the wave of Chaos slowly but surely engulfing the battlefield, the Custodes fall back where it was possible, their commands echoing to one another, in order to find an opportune moment to strike again.
Turn 2 (Adeptus Custodes)
The final Cultist, surrounded by Custodian Guard lets out a shrill shriek, as he attacks the Guard in any which way possible, swinging wildly at them. However, one of the Custodes raises his Sentinel Spear, the barrel of its built in pistol aiming right towards the Cultist. The projectile fires at the Cultist, the bullet tearing through its throat, as the Chaos fanatic collapses to the ground, taking it’s last breath.
Turn 2 (Adeptus Custodes)
After falling back enough to a safer position, the Land Raider turns its attention towards the Chaos Bikers. Inquisitor Solomon rushes to the Land Raider, its weapons preparing to fire overhead. As the pilot of the vehicle sees him, they begin to open the hatches for him to enter the vehicle. Once he was safely inside the vehicle, it fires both of its Twin Lascannons, its Twin Heavy Bolter, and its Storm Bolter. Due to the Power of the Machine Spirit ability, the Land Raider can fire its heavy weapons without taking any penalties for having moved. This proves vital, as it allows Julian to hit with all of his weaponry. The Bikers stood little chance as the Land Raider tore the unit apart, scraps of the bikes, as well as parts of the Bikers themselves flew high into the air, only to plummet back down onto the earth, scattered remnants of what once was a unit.
Turn 2 (Adeptus Custodes)
Despite his brothers calling for as many troops to fall back, the sole survivor of one of the Custodian Guard squad decides to stay and fight off the wave of Chaos, in order to buy the rest of his allies as much time as possible. Finding himself surrounded, being stared in the face by evil incarnate, he presses on the attack, striking with his Guardian Spear vertically, slicing through a bloodletter like a hot knife through butter. The Custode then drags his weapon horizontally, striking another bloodletter, causing two casualties. However, his strength wanes, and a Daemon takes advantage of this situation, by attacking the staggered Custode, its Hellblade ripping through his armour like a sheet of paper. The Adeptus Custode however, manages to recoil in time, sparing his life for just a little longer. He only suffers one wound. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this epic picture of the Custode as he faces off against both Bloodletters and Cultists. What an awesome shot!
Turn 2 (Adeptus Custodes)
The Helldrake lashes its talons at the Custodes, however they manage to once again stave off its advances. The metal monstrosity swoops down low to continue its attack, allowing the Custodes to strike at it, their blades targeting the Helldrake’s wings and body, managing to wound the creature 5 times.
Turn 2 (Adeptus Custodes)
However Chris manages to make all 5 saves with some impressive rolling, allowing the Helldrake to continue fighting for another turn!
Turn 3 (Chaos)
Seeing the Adeptus Custodes thinned down, the Chaos coordinate an attack on the biggest squad of Custodes left; the original retinue for Inquisitor Lok. The Bloodthirster and Maulerfiend join in as they close in, looking to join the combat.
Turn 3 (Chaos)
The Soul Grinder follows the movements of the Bloodthirster, knowing that wherever it goes, likely marks an enemy presence. Once the Bloodthirster found its new target, a bone-chilling scream reverberates, reaching the Soul Grinder. It takes aim, and sees the glimmer of golden armour belonging to the Custodes, firing its weaponry towards the survivors of the Chaos onslaught so far. Shots from the Daemonic engine’s Harvester Cannon scatter the area frantically, with one of them making direct impact with the Custode. He raises his shield in anticipation of the blow, however it proves too much for him the backlash of the impact alone being enough to kill the Emperor’s Guard.
Turn 3 (Chaos)
With less and less Custodian on the battlefield, the Chaos forces manage to focus on one of the bigger threats on the battlefield; Inquisitor Lok’s retinue. The Bloodthirster, Chaos Lord with Jump Pack, Cultists and Maulerfiend look to lay waste to the bodyguards. They charge at the unit from all angles, with the Bloodthirster swooping in from the back, its Great Axe yearning for the taste of blood. Each of the Custodes focus on fending off the different parts of the Chaos forces, in an attempt to survive for as long as possible and hopefully, kill off some of the heretical forces. However, the only unit that manages to land any hits is the Bloodthirster, its monstrous axe carving into the very ground itself, distorting and disfiguring the battlefield with its tremendous strength. The lone Custode dealing with the Bloodthirster falls, its truly terrifying might striking fear into those around their now fallen brother. The Chaos Lord zooms into the combat, Lightning Claws prepared to tear apart the first enemy in sight. However, in his frenzy, along with the lightning quick reactions of the Custode, his heavily telegraphed attack is noticed, allowing the Custodian to side step the oncoming attack, holding his Sentinel Blade outwards, slicing at the Chaos Lord’s armour up through his torso, taking 3 wounds. However, the Chaos Lord of merely snickers, preparing to continue battling. On the other side of the assault, yet another Cultist falls victim to the Custodian Guard. Slowly but surely, they are thinning the enemy!
Turn 3 (Chaos)
The other Maulerfiend notices a far greater target that the Custodian Guard; the Land Raider. With unparalleled speed, the Daemonic machine makes its way across the battlefield looking to demolish the Land Raider. The weapons on the vehicle turn to face the Maulerfiend, however, unfortunately, it manages to miss all of its overwatch. Its fists grab a hold of the front of the vehicle, and once held in place, its lashes its Maulerfiend Fist close combat attacks, causing a total of 3 wounds on the Land Raider
Turn 3 (Adeptus Custodes)
The prolonged combat in the centre of the battlefield looks to shortly be coming to a close, as there are casualties on both sides. The Chaos Lord charges back in, claiming the life of one more Custode, but at the cost of his own life, as the Lord dies from the strike of another Custodian. The Cultists, seeing the death of their Chaos Lord, freeze, causing them to miss their attacks on the Custodes, leaving the Bloodthirster to attempt to cause more casualties on the Adeptus Custodes. One of the Guard turn to the Khorne monstrosity, and lunge their blade deep into its leg, dealing 3 wounds, a good amount of damage on the already injured Daemon. The Bloodthirster, enraged, grabs ahold of that Custode, crushing him in his hand, the very life drained from the Guard’s being.
Turn 3 (Adeptus Custodes)
The other combat sees the final Custode fending off the wave of Cultists. Slowly, they are getting thinned. With a swift swing of his blade, he cleaves another 3 Cultists in half. However, the blood drives the Cultists into a frenzy, causing them to attack with all of their might. This lead to them dealing just 1 wound back on the Custode. Seeing how resilient the Custodian was caused the Cultists to flee in panic, with another 2 dying as they flee, being caught out by the Custode.
Turn 4 (Chaos)
Turn 4 Chaos saw the Skull Cannon move up in order to be in range of the Land Raider yet again. Both the Soul Grinder and Skull Cannon take aim and fire at the Land Raider, to no avail. They are too far from the vehicle in order to get a clear shot, as the shots from the Harvester Cannon and Skull Cannon land near the Land Raider, tearing up even more of the battlefield.
Turn 4 (Chaos)
The assault phase sees the Maulerfiend once again attempting to destroy the Land Raider. It lowers itself, and lunges directly towards the Land Raider. Julian is far luckier this time, managing to hit and wound with 3 of his 4 lascannon shots, dealing a monstrous 14 wounds to the Maulerfiend, killing the hulking terror once and for all before it even manages to make it into combat.
Turn 4 (Chaos)
The second Maulerfiend turns its head, seeing the Land Raider blow the first one into smithereens, before letting out a loud roar, followed by an audacious charge towards the Land Raider. This time however, the Land Raider misses all of its shots at the Maulerfiend during overwatch, allowing the Maulerfiend to get in close unscathed. It then begins to tear into the armoured plating of the Land Raider, dealing a total of 3 wounds to it in the combat.
Turn 4 (Chaos)
Despite the gigantic obstacle in their way, the Custodian Guard continue to battle the Bloodthirster, trading blow after blow relentlessly, neither one showing any remorse for their enemy. The Bloodthirster swings its Great Axe, however, in its recklessness, misses the Custodes completely, overswinging its heavy weapon, allowing the Custodes a window of opportunity. They lunge in, in an attempt to wound the vicious creature in any way possible, taking yet another 3 wounds off of the Bloodthirster, the Daemon now looking worse for wear, but showing no signs of letting up. This combat alone made for an incredible battle!
Turn 4 (Adeptus Custodes)
Coming to Custodes Turn 4 shows signs of a battle coming to an end, but that does not mean that either side is going to take their opponent lightly. The Land Raider moves out of combat with the Maulerfiend, hoping to take some more shots to fell the Chaos beast. However despite it’s best attempt, the rattled crew are not able to land any shots on the Maulerfiend, leaving the Land Raider susceptible to an oncoming charge yet again. Into the combat phase sees Cultists dying in both of their respective combats. However, the Adeptus Custodes also suffer a casualty. Their bannerman finally falls to the Bloodthirster.
Turn 4 (Adeptus Custodes)
The other side of the battlefield sees the Helldrake swooping in, once again, sharp talons ready in order to assault the last remaining Custode on his lonesome. He raises his weapon, lunging it up towards the flyer in hopes of one final attack before his demise, but alas, the Helldrake anticipates the attack, swiftly moving to one side, lunging its talon out to grasp ahold of the Custode. The Helldrake grabs the Custodian Guard, and takes high to the sky, before dropping him onto the ground, the impact of the Custode’s heavy armour creating an almost earth shattering pound as it collided. The Helldrake claims the life of the final remaining Custode from that squad!
Turn 5 (Chaos)
After having finished off the final Custode, the Helldrake begins to make an advancement towards the second Land Raider, followed closely by the other Helldrake. They both speed along the battlefield due to taking little casualties, and surround the Custodes Land Raider.
Turn 5 (Chaos)
With no other targets, the Skull Cannon and Soul Grinder once again fire at the Land Raider surrounded by the Helldrakes, hoping to soften the target up for the upcoming assault. Unfortunately, just as in the rest of the game, both artillery pieces fail to hit their mark, as the Land Raider once again takes no damage!
Turn 5 (Chaos)
The Maulerfiend quickly loses its patience, charging yet again into the Land Raider, looking to finally destroy the vehicle. It pushes off with its hind legs, heading directly at the Land Raider. The Land Raider turns its lascannons to face the monstrosity, and takes fire at it, dealing a massive 5 wounds to the behemoth. However, this damage does not phase the beast, as it rams its head straight into the Land Raider, as it rips away at the armour on the tank, tearing most of it to shreds. The Land Raider is brought down to just 1 land wound, barely surviving!
Turn 5 (Chaos)
The prolonged combat between the Bloodthirster and Custodian Guard drains the energy of all combatants. Despite each blow still being powerful, the injuries sustained at the hands of the Custodes have began to slow the Bloodthirster down, each of its swings becoming more and more sluggish than the last. However, the same can be said for the Custodian Guard, as their numbers and their spirit dwindle. Both units fail all of their attacks on one another, meaning that they will most likely be tied up in an unending combat once the game finishes! Although it would have been cool to see one of the units triumph, I think this combat is a testament to how resilient both units are, and just how much they formed the backbone of their respective armies!
If the Land Raider has any chance of surviving, it has to continue moving away from the Maulerfiend.
Turn 5 (Adeptus Custodes)
The neverending combat between the Bloodthirster and Custodes continues to rage on, with neither one being able to fell the other. The two final Custodes fight with everything they can muster, slashing and driving their blades towards the Bloodthirster, dealing yet another 2 wounds to the monstrous creature. In retaliation, the Bloodthirster swings wildly in an attempt to kill either one or both of the Custodian Guard. Julian though, with some very impressive rolling manages to make all of his saves, meaning there are no casualties on the Adeptus Custodes side. Here we have a very different scenario to the Land Raider. If the game continues, we might just see the Custodes finally slaying this mighty behemoth in combat; what would me a monumental victory in and of itself!
However at the end of Custodes Turn 5, the dice is rolled to see if the game continues, and the roll of a 1 signals the end of what has been an absolute brawl! What an incredible battle, watching this unfold definitely had me on the edge of my seat!!
Its an awesome Draw!!! 5-5 wow!
The Custodes Landraider closely guarding one of the Objectives…..maybe a bit to close don’t you think? Never trust a Grot!
On the other side of the Volcanic battle field we see the Skull Cannon also capturing one of the Objectives making this game a awesome Draw!
Julian: Loved this game! It’s been roughly 15 years since I last had a go at playing an army of the Imperium so it was a great change to what I am used to. It is also probably the most elite force I have ever tried so this game was all uncharted territory for me. I had a blast nevertheless and was quite confident that I should be able to do well from the start. That quickly changed as each Custode died and the rest were being tarpitted with cultists. I felt the pain myself as each Custode succumbed to their wounds and my confidence in success quickly diminished. I felt my Dreadnought should have done a lot better too but the dice gods decided otherwise, but to be fair I was very fortunate with all the saves I was making with my final Custodes against the Bloodthirster. The highlight of the entire battle for me was when the Land Raider finally got his revenge against that pesty Maulerfiend, scoring 3 hits with his Lascannon on overwatch and killing it right off, only to be assaulted again by the second Maulerfiend. That was enough to make my day and part of the reason why I love this game so much, you just never know what the dice will decide. I felt I was quite lucky to get away with a draw because I don’t think I would have fared well if the game were to carry on for much longer. Chris was a great opponent as always and the banter was just as good as the game. Can’t wait for the next one!
Chris: What an absolute slug fest right until the end! Those Custodes just wouldn’t die, especially the Land Raiders! My Maulerfiends should of walked through them, but they just couldn’t land the killing blow. I think next time I need to move my Soul Grinder up the field, as he is a beast if he gets into combat, unfortunately moving means he needs 5+ to shoot. Was an excellent game as always though, and Julian was a great opponent and a gentlemen, even though he couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn with his land raiders. Thanks